Kirsty Coventry Aims to Become First Female IOC President.
Kirsty Coventry wants to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She is a candidate in the March election. If she wins, she would be the first woman and African to hold the position. At 41, she would also be the youngest IOC president ever.
Coventry is Zimbabwe's Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture. She has served in this role since 2019. Some question whether her government position is a problem for her IOC candidacy, but Coventry says it lets her make positive changes in her country.
"I have learned many things in my ministry role," she said. "I have changed policies and how things are done."
Coventry thinks her election would be a big boost for Africa. "It would show we're ready to lead," she explained. "We're capable and have support."
She dismisses rumors that some IOC members doubt her "African" identity because she is white. "I see myself as Zimbabwean," Coventry said. "I was born there, as were my mother and grandmother."
Her campaign slogan is "Ubuntu." This African philosophy means "I am because we are." Coventry wants her IOC presidency to be collaborative.
As a minister, Coventry has traveled widely. She says the IOC plays a key role in uniting people. "The Olympic world can show how humanity should be," she said. "We can respect each other's differences."
Coventry believes becoming the first female IOC president would advance gender equality. But she also says her diverse experience makes her the best candidate overall.
If elected, Coventry plans to review the IOC's sponsorship program. She wants to ensure it is financially sustainable. This could involve changes to how sponsor money is shared.
Coventry also aims to use streaming and artificial intelligence to keep the Olympics relevant. She says protecting women's sports is "paramount." She supports the gender policies adopted by track and field and swimming.
The election is scheduled for mid-March and will take place during the IOC Session in Mumbai, India. The new president will succeed Thomas Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013.
Kirsty Coventry wants to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She is a candidate in the March election. If she wins, she would be the first woman and African to hold the position. At 41, she would also be the youngest IOC president ever.
Coventry is Zimbabwe's Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture. She has served in this role since 2019. Some question whether her government position is a problem for her IOC candidacy, but Coventry says it lets her make positive changes in her country.
"I have learned many things in my ministry role," she said. "I have changed policies and how things are done."
Coventry thinks her election would be a big boost for Africa. "It would show we're ready to lead," she explained. "We're capable and have support."
She dismisses rumors that some IOC members doubt her "African" identity because she is white. "I see myself as Zimbabwean," Coventry said. "I was born there, as were my mother and grandmother."
Her campaign slogan is "Ubuntu." This African philosophy means "I am because we are." Coventry wants her IOC presidency to be collaborative.
As a minister, Coventry has traveled widely. She says the IOC plays a key role in uniting people. "The Olympic world can show how humanity should be," she said. "We can respect each other's differences."
Coventry believes becoming the first female IOC president would advance gender equality. But she also says her diverse experience makes her the best candidate overall.
If elected, Coventry plans to review the IOC's sponsorship program. She wants to ensure it is financially sustainable. This could involve changes to how sponsor money is shared.
Coventry also aims to use streaming and artificial intelligence to keep the Olympics relevant. She says protecting women's sports is "paramount." She supports the gender policies adopted by track and field and swimming.
The election is scheduled for mid-March and will take place during the IOC Session in Mumbai, India. The new president will succeed Thomas Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013.
